Fats are Critical to Cell and Brain Function

Consuming fats with high polyunsaturated fatty acid content, in particular those containing omega-3s, is beneficial for the health. But the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are poorly known. Researchers investigated the effect of lipids bearing polyunsaturated chains when they are integrated into cell membranes. Their work shows that the presence of these lipids makes the membranes more malleable and therefore more sensitive to deformation and fission by proteins. These results help explain the extraordinary efficacy of endocytosis in neuron cells.

Consuming polyunsaturated fatty acids (such as omega-3 fatty acids found in flax seeds and hemp seeds) is good for the health. The effects range from neuronal differentiation to protection against cerebral ischemia. This means these fats are very important for brain and nervous system health. This research focuses on the role of these fatty acids in cell membrane function.

For a cell to function properly, the membrane must be able to deform and divide into small vesicles. This phenomenon is called endocytosis. Generally, these vesicles allow the cells to encapsulate molecules and transport them. In neurons, these synaptic vesicles will act as a transmission pathway to the synapse for nerve messages. They are formed inside the cell, then they move to its exterior and fuse with its membrane, to transmit the neurotransmitters that they contain. Then they reform in less than a tenth of a second: this is synaptic recycling.

These researchers show that cell membranes rich in polyunsaturated lipids are much more sensitive to the action of two proteins, dynamin and endophilin, which facilitate membrane deformation and fission. Other measurements in the study and in simulations suggest that these lipids also make the membranes more malleable. The abundance of these lipids in the brain could then represent a major advantage for cognitive function.

This work partially sheds light on the mode of action of omega-3.

The body cannot synthesize these fatty acid and they can only be supplied by a suitable diet (most powerfully in flax seed and hemp seeds) and proper supplementation.

It is so important to understand that the most important macronutrient is fat, not protein or carbohydrates. Fats make up your cell membranes and if the diet is either low in health promoting fats or high in the wrong fats which are saturated animal fat or processing fat like hydrogenated or trans fats then the cell membranes will either die prematurely which causes cell death and that leads to organ inflammation which leads to conditions and diseases. The other fate is a high amount of wrong fats in the cell membrane which do not allow the malleability or fluidity necessary for the cell to absorb the proper nutrients. This too will lead to early cell death and organ dysfunction and disease.

What are the good fats and where do you get them from?

Ideally the cell membrane wants a 1:1 ratio of omega 3 fatty acids to omega 6 fatty acids. This is found in flax seeds, hemp seeds and chia seeds. It is also found in green vegetable but in small amounts. Because of the critical importance not only to the cell membrane and health of the cells but also most important for brain and neurological function including eye health we supplement all our patients at Total Health Institute with mercury free, radiation free plant source EPA/DHA essential omega 3 fatty acids.

What can you do to protect your cell, brain, neurological and eye health?

Start eating flax seeds, hemp seeds, chia seeds and definitely supplement with plant base non toxic EPA/DHA, 9 capsules taken per day either split up three or at least twice per day.

Your brain and nervous system run all the other organs, gland and systems so this is very important to maintaining your physical health as well as mental health. These fatty acids have also helped reverse depression, anxiety and a variety of mental/emotional symptoms and conditions.

When a diet change or supplement can help your body and mind and emotions it is a very powerful addition in your natural health care.

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